Secretary of State Marco Rubio is privately positioning Vice President JD Vance as the natural successor to lead the Republican party in the 2028 presidential election, according to a revealing new report.
The Private Endorsement
Sources close to the former Florida senator have told Politico that Rubio views Vance as the inevitable Republican nominee when Donald Trump's second term concludes. "Marco has been very clear that JD is going to be the Republican nominee if he wants to be," revealed one anonymous insider. "He will do anything he can just to support the vice president in that effort."
Multiple sources granted anonymity to discuss private conversations confirmed this emerging consensus within Trump's inner circle. Remarkably, these discussions are occurring less than one year into Trump's current term, indicating that political operatives are already planning for the future of the MAGA movement.
Trump's Preferred Successors
President Trump himself has repeatedly identified both Vance and Rubio as his most likely successors during conversations with reporters aboard Air Force One in late October. "I'm not sure if anybody would run against those two," the president remarked. "I think if they ever formed a group it would be unstoppable."
Vance later confirmed during a podcast appearance that Trump has privately floated the idea of a Vance-Rubio ticket for 2028, first raising the possibility approximately six months ago during one of their private lunches. "It feels so premature, because we're still so early," Vance acknowledged. "And what I always say to people is, if we take care of business, the politics will take care of itself."
A Partnership of Convenience and Friendship
The relationship between the two potential rivals appears remarkably cordial, with both men describing each other as close friends within the administration. Vance has called Rubio his "best friend in the administration" and revealed they share a sweet tooth and frequently exchange jokes.
This friendship appears to be translating into political cooperation rather than competition. A second source told Politico that "no one expects Marco to resign from the Cabinet and start taking potshots at the sitting vice president." Meanwhile, a third source familiar with White House discussions stated the clear expectation is "JD as [nominee] and Rubio as VP."
Recent polling data suggests why this arrangement makes political sense. According to a September YouGov survey, 65% of Republicans and GOP-leaning independents would consider voting for Vance in the 2028 primary, significantly outpacing potential rivals including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (40%), Donald Trump Jr. (37%), and Rubio himself (33%).
An October Center Square survey reinforced Vance's frontrunner status, showing that 38% of Republicans would vote for him if the primary were held today, compared to just 4% who would support Rubio.
Both men have publicly praised each other's capabilities, with Rubio telling Fox News that Vance "would be a great nominee," while Vance has consistently highlighted their strong working relationship and personal friendship.
